“Be Thankful”
(Colossians 3:12-15)
I. Introduction.
A. In a world where size, and quantity, count for so much, we
are often inclined to either discount, or overlook, things
that are smaller, or simpler. The longest prayer, or the most
drawn-out sermon, does not, necessarily, have any more
effect than a brief prayer, or message, from a sincere heart.
B. The quality of brevity is seen in the commandments of God
and in the statements of Jesus. The length of these has no
relation to their authority. Nor does it reflect on the ease
with which they may be obeyed.
C. The simplest, most-direct commandments are to be obeyed
along with longer instructions. But the simplest commands
are often not regularly obeyed because they are overlooked
and, therefore, neglected:
1. In Colossians 3:15 there is a very brief, simple
command directed at all Christians: “. . . Be
thankful.”
2. The writer reinforces this idea in verse 17 (READ).
3. The principle, and the command, appear different
places in the Bible: “Be thankful.” Express
gratitude; show appreciation.
D. Possibly of all early Christians, Paul is an especially
suitable person to challenge us to be thankful.
1. He fully recognized he had much to be thankful
for – beginning with his soul’s salvation.
2. But, he had also experienced a great deal of trouble,
and had had to make many sacrifices, because of his
becoming a Christian.
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3. In fact, these words, directed at the brethren at
Colossae, came at a time when Paul was a prisoner
at Rome.
E. What did Paul, under the circumstances, really have to be
thankful for? On different occasions, to a variety of people,
Paul expressed gratitude:
1. First – for what he believed. For the truth he had
learned about Jesus Christ and God’s purpose in
sending His Son into the world.
a. For example, (II Corinthians 9:15): “Thanks
be (to) God for His (indescribable gift!”
b. Paul’s learning of, and his obedience to, the
gospel, were cause for thanksgiving:
(I Timothy 1:12): “And I thank Christ Jesus
our Lord, who has enabled me, because He
counted me faithful, putting me in the
ministry.”
2. Not only was Paul grateful for what he believed and
what it had done for him, but also for what he’d
received – for the fellowship, and assistance, of
friends and co-workers. For the support, and
encouragement by brethren everywhere.
3. He was also thankful for what he’d been spared and
relieved of: most especially being spared eternal
death and relieved of the fear about dying.
a. At the end of his life, he could confidently
say: “ . . . I am now ready to be offered,. .”
(II Timothy 4:6).
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b. He could boldly tell other Christians: “The
sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin
is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives
us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ,” (I Corinthians 15:56-57).
F. Christians, today, have so much to be thankful for.
Thinking about some of these things should encourage us
not to neglect the simple command: “Be Thankful.”
II. Things To Be Thankful For.
A. We can be thankful for our blessings and not concentrate
solely on our problems.
1. The greatest of blessings is the spiritual life we have
“in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the
heavenly places in Christ.”).